Hey, I'm completely new, but I've been reading for a while, occasionally playing builds I liked on the site, and generally just being the guy watching you argue when you didn't know he was there. Creepy huh?
I honestly wouldn't even have made this account if I wasn't so hyped about this idea for this specific build, which no other Talos, Tiber Septim, Ysmir, or Shezarrine build comes close to.
This build is a bit lore intensive and uses some bits of lore that are considered in-universe to be heresy, as well as some conjecture based on said lore.
The idea of this build, my debut on this awesome site, is a lore heavy build that focuses on the righteous war god of mankind, who he was, all three of him; his shrewd tactical spellsword, his Nedic warrior lich king, and his Battlemage Underking. All the darkest, least talked about aspects of Talos, the man commonly known as Tiber Septim, who mantled Lorkhan.
Talos Incarnate
War God? What kind of War God is benevolent and heroic? War isn't where heroes are made, it's how monsters are born. That upstart Ulfric should know this lesson well.
Lore: Mantling
Hjalti, or am I Tiber now? Talos the Nordic warriors called me for my learning of the Thu'um. I've been through so much, my heart beats slower every day, but each day I felt more powerful, I hid his mundane magic from the Nords, tricked them all daily, so exhausting. Forever exhausting, but it always got easier, to channel my magical talent through my words. Until those elves had slit my throat. They couldn't kill me, the Nords called it miracle, healers called it divine, I called it healing himself as quickly as I could as I cut down the would be assassin.
For so long have I whispered orders , but I still am a tactician, then I outwitted my two most powerful advisers, they would fuel my Dwemer war machine, somehow I'd soul trapped both, I've gotten away with it too, who would believe their glorious monarch could betray his advisers for power ? But it had to be done, Ysmir; NO! Wulfarth had been right, always, the elves were tricky, I'll end them, and I will make them look the bad guys as I do.
But things never go as planned, every general of even a tenth of my standing knows these things. A plan never survives contact with the enemy, and my downfall was to expect my betrayed to stay quiet in their glorified Soul Gem as I went to war on our, on MY enemies. I must stop referring to myself in plural. I am Hjalti, or was it Tiber? Talos? No! Damn, I'm already melting, am I becoming them or are they becoming me? So much trickery, so many masques, so many names. But it doesn't matter; Talos is immortal now, we are the Ninth Divine.
Lore: Incarnating
Those damned elves, first they take one of my voices, now they try to stamp out my divine power? Do they know who I am!?
I am Shor! Talos! The Ninth Divine!
To Sithis with Akatosh and his Dragonborn or any old Shezarrine, and to Oblivion with Alduin! This is personal! I'm coming down there, and Divines help whomsoever crosses the God of War and Trickery!
Backstory
Instead of coming down in his full divine might, Talos was instead, indeed Incarnated, mantling a human who best expressed his outrage, a human whose rage was only surpassed by Talos himself. A human about to be executed in a cart with the last of the rebellion started in his name. Irony can suck sometimes, and even the rules of magic do not bend entirely for the divines, loathe as they are to admit it.
Gameplay/Roleplay
As soon as Alduin foolishly frees you, go with Ralof, though you founded the empire, they are not of your bloodline anymore and it's not exactly tactically a wise decision to go with the people who just tried to execute you, regardless of misunderstandings.
As soon as your hands are freed, it's time to start your vendetta against elves, all Shezarrine, even the 3 who became Talos, had a thing for hating and killing elves. Get the Imperial Heavy Armor and Steel Sword for now, because it's time to start bringing your two most primary combat stats back to their former glory.
Talos, from what little is known, wore heavy armor, and wielded a one handed blade, but there is no mention of any shield, anywhere. Nor is there much mention of his magical skill. Hiding a shield? Unlikely. Hiding your magical power and the vast spells hidden within your mind? A trifle for any aspect of the god of trickery.
When using followers, fight beside them with your sword. Don't let your human brethren see the magic you wield, have them regard you as a warrior and hero. But when storming into a bandit infested cave or fort? Whose to tell the difference between the flame and frost of your spells and the flame and frost of your voice. Heal yourself when none are looking, use every dirty trick to gain the upper hand when outnumbered, illusion, necromancy, alteration, all tools in the hands of a god.
Start the Main Quest as soon as you can, because you have a great shortcut to your god power handed to you on a platter by Alduin, dragon souls. Additionally, kick the empire out of Skyrim, but don't bend over for Ulfric, that young upstart seems to think he's your superior? Well, he'll be assassinated, cycles repeat, this time you'll try to avoid getting caught unawares by elf assassins.
Learn every shout you can, even if it means joining or killing the dark brotherhood, whichever you prefer. Perhaps Talos is impressed by the skill of Astrid and joins her guild, no need to advance unless you really want to kill the false emperor. On the other hand, perhaps being kidnapped by Astrid is an insult, an insult the war god doesn't take kindly to.
Before you finish the main quest, complete the Companions to get some words of power and the end quest gear, Ancient Nordic Armor, closest you'll get to your real armor in this age, and a Nordic Hero Sword, the perfect sword for your persona as the war god of the Nords, and a great weapon to help you cut down Alduin.
Another thing to do would be to travel all over Skyrim, visit places Hjalti would've known well, kill the Forsworn in the Reach, slaughter Falmer in their caves, kill Thalmor Patrols, all to hone your skill and retake your Mantle as the Ninth Divine.
Race: Breton, the magic protection is fitting of a Divine, though I didn't use Dragonskin racial power. This choice is mostly for roleplay as Hjalti was supposed to be a Breton, however if you choose, Imperial or Nord can work, thanks to Wulfharth and Zurin, your other two aspects and all three being human races. Give yourself dark hair, blue eyes, and a glorious beard.
Stone: If you must choose one of the three starting ones, take Warrior, especially if Ralof is looking. But the Lord is our real Stone. A fitting for the founder of the Empire.
Stats: 1/1/1 Keep yourself balanced, no enchanting and no alchemy means this will actually be a difficult build with only found potions and hidden healing to keep you safe. Especially in the presence of your allies.
Equipment: As stated earlier, the Ancient Nordic Armor is our final gear, until you get it, utilize Iron or Steel with the respective horned helmets, and any unenchanted sword you can get, or craft. Talos Amulet will help with shouts, if you find a ring with a fitting enchantment, that fortifies Health Regeneration or One Handed, no one will see it under your gauntlets.
Shouts:
Aura Whisper - Towards the end of his life, Tiber Septim couldn't shout, instead he whispered his orders, perhaps his whispers told him more than they told others?
Become Ethereal - Try to avoid using this one amongst allies you hide your magic and dark side from, this represents your aspect of Wulfharth, who spent a long time as a ghost and is the oldest aspect of this triumvirate. Ysmir doesn't want to lose his mortal form, but he doesn't want to die before the Thalmor get the punishment they deserve.
Call Dragon - Odahviing! If you know what's good for you, you will obey us!
Call of Valor - The souls are willing. Who called it necromancy? Damn elf conspiracy nuts, you shouldn't listen to them.
Clear Skies - Kind of needed to finish the main quest, not a whole lot of other uses.
Disarm - Another shout to use when outnumbered and alone, fighting dirty includes getting rid of your opponents enchanted weapon.
Dismay - Shout like a Nord, maybe people will think you are one again?
Dragonrend - Get down here and fight him you overgrown lizard!
Elemental Fury - Good thing you didn't enchant your sword, not that you know how to. Show them the fury of Talos with your blade.
Fire Breath - Breath as the dragons do, a good burst of flame will send most enemies running.
Frost Breath - A Dunmer? Come here, Wulfharth has something to say...
Ice Form - This can be very useful when outnumbered, and can save an ally in danger, stopping an enemy or two and putting them on ice is strategic, but not questionable in morals.
Marked for Death - Let the rage of Talos spring forth, when an enemy is truly testing you, mark them for death, be careful not to use this around allies, as not only are the words considered evil, you don't want to hit an ally with this. But that Draugr Wightlord who won't go down quick enough? Mark the damn thing.
Storm Call - Similar reason as Marked for Death, but if their are a bunch of enemies attacking Talos, show them why the Nords named you Stormcrown. Be careful with this usage, you may forget the difference between elves and man with the rain in your eyes and lightning in the sky.
Unrelenting Force - This shout is more strategic than people give it credit for, most see it as how a Nord should fight, by knocking enemies awaiy? Use this shout to knock enemies away for whatever reason, need some room to heal? Switching to bow to do some quick damage before they get back? Too heavily outnumbered? Whatever the reason, this shout is very versatile despite it's only use being to knock things over.
Whirlwind Sprint - Mostly because you get one word for free and it's useful, good for strategy, getting to places and such.
DLC shouts: If you have the DLC these are some extra shouts, I have the DLC but I didn't talk about them much so I didn't exclude anyone.
Battlefury - Tiber Septim's voice could inspire his men to fight better.
Bend Will - All will kneel before a god.
Cyclone - An upgraded, more damaging, less versatile Unrelenting Force
Dragon Aspect - You can feel your divinity returning to us.
Drain Vitality - Elves using magic? Lets take that from them!
Soul Tear - An evil shout, use it wisely, use it to your advantage, and don't let your allies see you doing it.
Perks:
One Handed: Armsman 5/5, Fighting Stance, Bladesman 3/3, Savage Strike, Critical Charge, Paralyzing Strike
You are a master of your sword, the blade of Talos is an extension of his body.
Heavy Armor: Juggernaut 5/5, Well Fitted, Tower of Strength, Matching Set, Reflect Blows
Who are you to strike a god?
Archery: Overdraw 1/5, Eagle Eye, Critical Shot 1/3, Steady Hand 1/2, Power Shot
What kind of god of WAR can't shoot a bow?
Block: Completely Unperked but blocking with your sword and bashing with your chosen bow will level it
Smithing: Up the Heavy side to Daedric so we can Temper our armor effectively. No Daedric Equipment though, it wouldn't do for the people to see their hero wearing evil armor.
Restoration: Novice-Apprentice Restoration, Regeneration, Recovery 2/2, Respite, Ward Absorb
Did you think you could kill a god so easily?
Illusion: Novice-Apprentice Illusion, Dual Casting, Animage, Hypnotic Gaze, Kindred Mage, Aspect of Terror
War is about controlling the battlefield as much as it is martial prowess. Why do you think Shezarr was god of trickery?
Alteration: All Perks Eventually
A gods nature is to alter reality to suit us.
Conjuration: Novice-Master, Necromancy, Dark Souls, Twin Souls
I'd rather deal in the dead than deal with Daedra
Destruction: Novice-Apprentice, Augmented Shock, Disintegrate
What better way to bring those annoying elves down than to shock the magicka right out of them? Just don't get seen.
Speech: Haggling 5/5, Allure, Bribery, Persuasion, Intimidation
You thought I conquered Tamriel with strength of arm alone? I had an army, and I inspired that army.
Quests:
Main Quest - Alduin wants to kill your creation? Over your dead body!
Companions - Get these poor souls into the after life they want, and they can be the start of a loyal Army
Civil War Stormcloaks - Ulfric best remember who the Dragonborn is around here...
Thane Quests - All Shezarrine had a tendency to wander and conquer, plus it'll make you look good and give you some backing when you decide to start your next empire. Just make sure you get the traitorous Jarls out before becoming their thane.
Radiant Quests - Act like a hero, the common folk don't quite need to see how you solve their problems, the poor fools are better off not knowing what a hero really is.
The Ghost of Old Hroldan - Ah! One of my old soldiers! Wandering Nirn? Better find my old sword, the old Nord can keep it, he earned the damn thing in that battle.
Closing Notes
And there you have it, I like to think I worked hard on this build, I lack a lot of the images that should be there, but I intend to edit them in as I find appropriate images, which probably won't be screen-caps as my computer is not fond of screen-capping at all, crashed my game once and I'm loathe to risk it again.
Edit: Okay the build has been edited based on feedback, I've fixed up a few things people pointed out, like the bit about shouts, I completely forgot to add anything about shouts. I felt silly when I noticed.
Hey, I'm completely new, but I've been reading for a while, occasionally playing builds I liked on the site, and generally just being the guy watching you argue when you didn't know he was there. Creepy huh?
I honestly wouldn't even have made this account if I wasn't so hyped about this idea for this specific build, which no other Talos, Tiber Septim, Ysmir, or Shezarrine build comes close to.
This build is a bit lore intensive and uses some bits of lore that are considered in-universe to be heresy, as well as some conjecture based on said lore.
The idea of this build, my debut on this awesome site, is a lore heavy build that focuses on the righteous war god of mankind, who he was, all three of him; his shrewd tactical spellsword, his Nedic warrior lich king, and his Battlemage Underking. All the darkest, least talked about aspects of Talos, the man commonly known as Tiber Septim, who mantled Lorkhan.
Talos Incarnate
War God? What kind of War God is benevolent and heroic? War isn't where heroes are made, it's how monsters are born. That upstart Ulfric should know this lesson well.
Lore: Mantling
Hjalti, or am I Tiber now? Talos the Nordic warriors called me for my learning of the Thu'um. I've been through so much, my heart beats slower every day, but each day I felt more powerful, I hid his mundane magic from the Nords, tricked them all daily, so exhausting. Forever exhausting, but it always got easier, to channel my magical talent through my words. Until those elves had slit my throat. They couldn't kill me, the Nords called it miracle, healers called it divine, I called it healing himself as quickly as I could as I cut down the would be assassin.
For so long have I whispered orders , but I still am a tactician, then I outwitted my two most powerful advisers, they would fuel my Dwemer war machine, somehow I'd soul trapped both, I've gotten away with it too, who would believe their glorious monarch could betray his advisers for power ? But it had to be done, Ysmir; NO! Wulfarth had been right, always, the elves were tricky, I'll end them, and I will make them look the bad guys as I do.
But things never go as planned, every general of even a tenth of my standing knows these things. A plan never survives contact with the enemy, and my downfall was to expect my betrayed to stay quiet in their glorified Soul Gem as I went to war on our, on MY enemies. I must stop referring to myself in plural. I am Hjalti, or was it Tiber? Talos? No! Damn, I'm already melting, am I becoming them or are they becoming me? So much trickery, so many masques, so many names. But it doesn't matter; Talos is immortal now, we are the Ninth Divine.
Lore: Incarnating
Those damned elves, first they take one of my voices, now they try to stamp out my divine power? Do they know who I am!?
I am Shor! Talos! The Ninth Divine!
To Sithis with Akatosh and his Dragonborn or any old Shezarrine, and to Oblivion with Alduin! This is personal! I'm coming down there, and Divines help whomsoever crosses the God of War and Trickery!
Backstory
Instead of coming down in his full divine might, Talos was instead, indeed Incarnated, mantling a human who best expressed his outrage, a human whose rage was only surpassed by Talos himself. A human about to be executed in a cart with the last of the rebellion started in his name. Irony can suck sometimes, and even the rules of magic do not bend entirely for the divines, loathe as they are to admit it.
Gameplay/Roleplay
As soon as Alduin foolishly frees you, go with Ralof, though you founded the empire, they are not of your bloodline anymore and it's not exactly tactically a wise decision to go with the people who just tried to execute you, regardless of misunderstandings.
As soon as your hands are freed, it's time to start your vendetta against elves, all Shezarrine, even the 3 who became Talos, had a thing for hating and killing elves. Get the Imperial Heavy Armor and Steel Sword for now, because it's time to start bringing your two most primary combat stats back to their former glory.
Talos, from what little is known, wore heavy armor, and wielded a one handed blade, but there is no mention of any shield, anywhere. Nor is there much mention of his magical skill. Hiding a shield? Unlikely. Hiding your magical power and the vast spells hidden within your mind? A trifle for any aspect of the god of trickery.
When using followers, fight beside them with your sword. Don't let your human brethren see the magic you wield, have them regard you as a warrior and hero. But when storming into a bandit infested cave or fort? Whose to tell the difference between the flame and frost of your spells and the flame and frost of your voice. Heal yourself when none are looking, use every dirty trick to gain the upper hand when outnumbered, illusion, necromancy, alteration, all tools in the hands of a god.
Start the Main Quest as soon as you can, because you have a great shortcut to your god power handed to you on a platter by Alduin, dragon souls. Additionally, kick the empire out of Skyrim, but don't bend over for Ulfric, that young upstart seems to think he's your superior? Well, he'll be assassinated, cycles repeat, this time you'll try to avoid getting caught unawares by elf assassins.
Learn every shout you can, even if it means joining or killing the dark brotherhood, whichever you prefer. Perhaps Talos is impressed by the skill of Astrid and joins her guild, no need to advance unless you really want to kill the false emperor. On the other hand, perhaps being kidnapped by Astrid is an insult, an insult the war god doesn't take kindly to.
Before you finish the main quest, complete the Companions to get some words of power and the end quest gear, Ancient Nordic Armor, closest you'll get to your real armor in this age, and a Nordic Hero Sword, the perfect sword for your persona as the war god of the Nords, and a great weapon to help you cut down Alduin.
Another thing to do would be to travel all over Skyrim, visit places Hjalti would've known well, kill the Forsworn in the Reach, slaughter Falmer in their caves, kill Thalmor Patrols, all to hone your skill and retake your Mantle as the Ninth Divine.
Race: Breton, the magic protection is fitting of a Divine, though I didn't use Dragonskin racial power. This choice is mostly for roleplay as Hjalti was supposed to be a Breton, however if you choose, Imperial or Nord can work, thanks to Wulfharth and Zurin, your other two aspects and all three being human races. Give yourself dark hair, blue eyes, and a glorious beard.
Stone: If you must choose one of the three starting ones, take Warrior, especially if Ralof is looking. But the Lord is our real Stone. A fitting for the founder of the Empire.
Stats: 1/1/1 Keep yourself balanced, no enchanting and no alchemy means this will actually be a difficult build with only found potions and hidden healing to keep you safe. Especially in the presence of your allies.
Equipment: As stated earlier, the Ancient Nordic Armor is our final gear, until you get it, utilize Iron or Steel with the respective horned helmets, and any unenchanted sword you can get, or craft. Talos Amulet will help with shouts, if you find a ring with a fitting enchantment, that fortifies Health Regeneration or One Handed, no one will see it under your gauntlets.
Shouts:
Aura Whisper - Towards the end of his life, Tiber Septim couldn't shout, instead he whispered his orders, perhaps his whispers told him more than they told others?
Become Ethereal - Try to avoid using this one amongst allies you hide your magic and dark side from, this represents your aspect of Wulfharth, who spent a long time as a ghost and is the oldest aspect of this triumvirate. Ysmir doesn't want to lose his mortal form, but he doesn't want to die before the Thalmor get the punishment they deserve.
Call Dragon - Odahviing! If you know what's good for you, you will obey us!
Call of Valor - The souls are willing. Who called it necromancy? Damn elf conspiracy nuts, you shouldn't listen to them.
Clear Skies - Kind of needed to finish the main quest, not a whole lot of other uses.
Disarm - Another shout to use when outnumbered and alone, fighting dirty includes getting rid of your opponents enchanted weapon.
Dismay - Shout like a Nord, maybe people will think you are one again?
Dragonrend - Get down here and fight him you overgrown lizard!
Elemental Fury - Good thing you didn't enchant your sword, not that you know how to. Show them the fury of Talos with your blade.
Fire Breath - Breath as the dragons do, a good burst of flame will send most enemies running.
Frost Breath - A Dunmer? Come here, Wulfharth has something to say...
Ice Form - This can be very useful when outnumbered, and can save an ally in danger, stopping an enemy or two and putting them on ice is strategic, but not questionable in morals.
Marked for Death - Let the rage of Talos spring forth, when an enemy is truly testing you, mark them for death, be careful not to use this around allies, as not only are the words considered evil, you don't want to hit an ally with this. But that Draugr Wightlord who won't go down quick enough? Mark the damn thing.
Storm Call - Similar reason as Marked for Death, but if their are a bunch of enemies attacking Talos, show them why the Nords named you Stormcrown. Be careful with this usage, you may forget the difference between elves and man with the rain in your eyes and lightning in the sky.
Unrelenting Force - This shout is more strategic than people give it credit for, most see it as how a Nord should fight, by knocking enemies awaiy? Use this shout to knock enemies away for whatever reason, need some room to heal? Switching to bow to do some quick damage before they get back? Too heavily outnumbered? Whatever the reason, this shout is very versatile despite it's only use being to knock things over.
Whirlwind Sprint - Mostly because you get one word for free and it's useful, good for strategy, getting to places and such.
DLC shouts: If you have the DLC these are some extra shouts, I have the DLC but I didn't talk about them much so I didn't exclude anyone.
Battlefury - Tiber Septim's voice could inspire his men to fight better.
Bend Will - All will kneel before a god.
Cyclone - An upgraded, more damaging, less versatile Unrelenting Force
Dragon Aspect - You can feel your divinity returning to us.
Drain Vitality - Elves using magic? Lets take that from them!
Soul Tear - An evil shout, use it wisely, use it to your advantage, and don't let your allies see you doing it.
Perks:
One Handed: Armsman 5/5, Fighting Stance, Bladesman 3/3, Savage Strike, Critical Charge, Paralyzing Strike
You are a master of your sword, the blade of Talos is an extension of his body.
Heavy Armor: Juggernaut 5/5, Well Fitted, Tower of Strength, Matching Set, Reflect Blows
Who are you to strike a god?
Archery: Overdraw 1/5, Eagle Eye, Critical Shot 1/3, Steady Hand 1/2, Power Shot
What kind of god of WAR can't shoot a bow?
Block: Completely Unperked but blocking with your sword and bashing with your chosen bow will level it
Smithing: Up the Heavy side to Daedric so we can Temper our armor effectively. No Daedric Equipment though, it wouldn't do for the people to see their hero wearing evil armor.
Restoration: Novice-Apprentice Restoration, Regeneration, Recovery 2/2, Respite, Ward Absorb
Did you think you could kill a god so easily?
Illusion: Novice-Apprentice Illusion, Dual Casting, Animage, Hypnotic Gaze, Kindred Mage, Aspect of Terror
War is about controlling the battlefield as much as it is martial prowess. Why do you think Shezarr was god of trickery?
Alteration: All Perks Eventually
A gods nature is to alter reality to suit us.
Conjuration: Novice-Master, Necromancy, Dark Souls, Twin Souls
I'd rather deal in the dead than deal with Daedra
Destruction: Novice-Apprentice, Augmented Shock, Disintegrate
What better way to bring those annoying elves down than to shock the magicka right out of them? Just don't get seen.
Speech: Haggling 5/5, Allure, Bribery, Persuasion, Intimidation
You thought I conquered Tamriel with strength of arm alone? I had an army, and I inspired that army.
Quests:
Main Quest - Alduin wants to kill your creation? Over your dead body!
Companions - Get these poor souls into the after life they want, and they can be the start of a loyal Army
Civil War Stormcloaks - Ulfric best remember who the Dragonborn is around here...
Thane Quests - All Shezarrine had a tendency to wander and conquer, plus it'll make you look good and give you some backing when you decide to start your next empire. Just make sure you get the traitorous Jarls out before becoming their thane.
Radiant Quests - Act like a hero, the common folk don't quite need to see how you solve their problems, the poor fools are better off not knowing what a hero really is.
The Ghost of Old Hroldan - Ah! One of my old soldiers! Wandering Nirn? Better find my old sword, the old Nord can keep it, he earned the damn thing in that battle.
Closing Notes
And there you have it, I like to think I worked hard on this build, I lack a lot of the images that should be there, but I intend to edit them in as I find appropriate images, which probably won't be screen-caps as my computer is not fond of screen-capping at all, crashed my game once and I'm loathe to risk it again.
Edit: Okay the build has been edited based on feedback, I've fixed up a few things people pointed out, like the bit about shouts, I completely forgot to add anything about shouts. I felt silly when I noticed.
